Author's Notes: Yes, I'm a horrible, horrible person. I've been absolutely awful at writing this story. The good news is that I have 21 chapters written in total and am about 1/3 of the way through chapter 22. The bad news is that chapter 22 is not the last, so I'm not done yet. So, I need your help. Make me finish before November 1st. It's my goal and as long as I'm prodded and poked, I think I can do it. I'm going to be posting chapters 10 to 21 as I get them edited and as I make progress on the final 2 chapters.

Chapter 10

The eight recruits stood at attention, waiting for their Extractions instructor to arrive. They had expected to report directly to the classroom for the first several sessions, but were surprised to find themselves directed to a warehouse looking building hidden behind the buildings of the main campus. This facility was far removed from most of the COA's training grounds and didn't have the air of sophistication and cutting-edge technology as the aquatics or firearms centers. From the outside, it looked rather rundown and well used. They had not been permitted inside, and were ordered to stand in line, in numerical order, until the Instructor advised them otherwise.

The recruits could hear the crunching of boots on gravel before the figure came into view. Adhering to discipline, each of them kept their eyes front, not daring to shoot a glance at the man.

"Good morning recruits."

Lucas hesitated for a fraction of a second. There was something familiar about the voice.

"Good morning, sir," each of the eight COA recruits responded in unison.

"At ease."

They transitioned into the ordered position.

When the Extractions instructor stepped out in front of them, Lucas couldn't camouflage the look of shock on his face. He blinked a few times, closed his mouth, and made contact with a man he hadn't seen in years. The older man gave an almost undetectable smile and winked.

"Welcome to your first extractions training simulation, recruits. Apparently I drew the short straw this morning and I'll be leading your extractions training for the duration of your stay with COA." The glint in his eye betrayed the fact that he was pleased to be dealing with this particular class.

"For those of you who don't know me, and for those of you who might have forgotten me," again he looked directly at Lucas, "I am Extractions Chief William Shan."

Lucas grinned at the familiar face. It had been years since Shan had last served on seaQuest. That was his very first tour with the boat and crew - the tour that sent the boat to the bottom of the ocean. It took a long time to rebuild the UEO's masterpiece, and a number of crew – Shan included – had not returned for the next tour. They'd received offers of positions they couldn't refuse. Lucas didn't know what the former helmsman had been doing in the past twelve or so years, but it was evident that the COA had recognized his talents and pulled him in.

He felt a slight nudge in his left side. Tony. His friend had witnessed the non-verbal exchange between the two former crewmates and it hadn't gone unnoticed. He threw Lucas a sidelong glare, paired with a lift of his chin, which the younger of the two men could only read as "What the hell, Luke?" Piccolo hadn't joined seaQuest until after the rebuilt boat was launched, so he'd never had a chance to meet Shan. Plus, it wasn't as though they'd had lengthy discussions about past crew who'd moved on – with the exception of Ben and Dr. Westphalen of course.

Lucas and Tony had spent a lot of time together, and they'd learned to read each other really well. He shot back his own glare, which he really hoped would convey the fact that he'd fill his friend in later. Right now, they were still in formation and didn't need to get called out in front of the group. There were a number of things the two seaQuest submariners needed to talk about, and last night's incident was included, along with the fact that Tony continued to insist that someone was going through his belongings. Hopefully, they'd have some time over lunch, or before bed, to get away from the other recruits for a bit.

He turned his attention back to Shan, who had motioned to another instructor to unlock the warehouse and slide the large door open.

"You are probably all wondering why you are down here today instead of in the classroom. Up to this point, you've had weapons training, hand-to-hand combat, strategic theory, and more physical training than you've had in your life." He walked slowly down the line of recruits, staring at each of them as if to memorize the face that went with the name. "What I want to know is can you work as a team? Can you use what you've learned so far to get your team from one end of this course to the other?"

Chief Shan nodded towards the door. "In a moment we are going to randomly select one of you to be a covert agent who is in need of emergency extraction. The rest of you will be expected to get to that agent, and then get them back out again. Before we begin, you'll be given 15 minutes to read through a short document with some intelligence on the situation. With that information, you will need to plan your entrance, get to your agent and get him out of there with minimal loss. We have a selection of weapons for you to choose from – all loaded with non-lethal lasers – and vests."

Shan grinned. "Don't worry, you won't be alone. There are an undisclosed number of enemy soldiers waiting for you to make your move. I'll give you one word of advice: teamwork. Without it, you will all fail miserably. With it, you'll just fail."

He pulled some sticks out of his pocket and started to arrange them in his one hand. "We don't expect recruits to pass this test with flying colors – at least not on the first try. What it does is provide us with an idea of where your individual and team strengths and weaknesses lie, and allows me to tailor your training accordingly."

With the sticks prepared, Shan held his out his hand. "Now, let's see who gets to be our damsel in distress. Keep your piece hidden until all recruits have had a chance to pull their own." He went down the line, starting with Recruit 1 and finishing with Lucas. "Nice to see you again, Lucas, although I never thought I'd run into you in this environment." He gave the younger man a hardy thump on the shoulder.

"Yeah. Seeing you here is a bit of a surprise." Lucas chuckled in response as he took the last remaining stick. "Any other old seaQuest crewmember I should know about hiding inside the COA?"

The older man winked, "if there was, I really couldn't tell you now, could I?"

Shan turned back to address the group. "Okay, let's see who has the shortest stick. Hold them out recruits."

They each peered at their own, comparing it to the others. Sam's disappointed grunt was enough indication to the rest of them, that he had been dealt the unwanted card. While he liked and respected the FBI agent, Lucas had to stifle a snicker. Sam saw himself as the ultimate leader, the man who would by far excel as an undercover agent. He was confident and incredibly competitive, and he and Liz often went head-to-head. They were both on track to become covert agents with the COA and each of them was attempting to prove that s/he was the best the agency had ever seen. To be selected as the agent to be rescued, must have felt like a blow to Sam's ego.

The disappointed recruit was led into the warehouse by one of Shan's associates and another stepped up to the group with a file - presumably the promised document Shan had mentioned. Liz immediately reached for it. This would be her first chance to prove that she could lead a team and excel in that position. Lucas had no problem with someone else stepping up to run the play. He didn't necessarily see himself as a seasoned enough soldier to take on the role. Sure, he'd taken the initiative to learn new skills, and get involved in a number of missions, but as a new ensign, was never give the same level of responsibility as his superiors. Even in this assignment, he was there for his technical skill and his ability to blend in with the new recruit class. It had nothing to do with his military skills.

Apparently, Piccolo was equally as comfortable standing back and letting someone else take the lead. He too was improving as a soldier, and seemed to really enjoy most of the COA training they'd experienced so far. Lucas could see how much he wanted to be taken seriously and if Hudson or Commander Ford could see Piccolo now, they'd most likely be impressed.

Dom and Andre, however, looked somewhat annoyed with the situation. Both were pretty laid back, but still had the drive to succeed and prove themselves. Lucas suspected that Dom in particular had a lot to prove. The man was slightly older than the rest of them (disregarding the ten years the seaQuest crew members were supposed to have aged) and had spent several years as a logistical technician within the agency. He was making a mid-career change into a position he had coveted for a while. Lucas wasn't exactly sure if he was being trained to be a covert agent, or perhaps something else in the field, but he knew his roommate was trying to get out of HQ. If he failed in this attempt, they'd probably send him back to his previous post, and Dom was not excited about this possibility.

The team lead, Liz, pulled them together to go over the 'mission' information. Included in the file were blueprints, information about the 'enemy' and information on where the captive agent was most probably being kept. She barked orders at the six of them, and they filed into the weapons cache to pull out what they hoped they'd need. From what they were planning, it was going to be a pretty physical 'mission.' Lucas wasn't used to just barging in, grabbing a target, and using fire power to get out. In the majority of his missions with seaQuest, there was some degree of strategy involved, or during the assignment, some outside the box creative thinking required. In his experience, nothing ever went according to plan.

Pulling his vest over his head and shouldering his weapon, Lucas walked to where Tony was strapping into his own gear.

"Hey."

Piccolo looked up and nodded towards Liz and Dom who appeared to be in disagreement on how to proceed with their assignment. "Think those two are going to get into a fist fight before we even start?"

Lucas tried to hide a grin. "Nah. I'm pretty sure she can take him down with a look."

Tony laughed, then dropped his voice so that the others couldn't overhear. "Wanna tell me about Chief Shan? How'd you know him?"

Lucas practically rolled his eyes. "Tony. How do you think I know him?"

"seaQuest?"

"Yeah. He was one of the helmsmen, but spent most of his time on Security Chief Crocker's team."

"First tour, right? Because I don't remember him."

"He was one of the crew that didn't wait around for seaQuest to be rebuilt. I have no idea where he went after that. It's not like we were close, you know."

"He a good guy? What'd you think?"

"He's one of the good guys." Lucas thought back to the conversation he'd had with Commander in Chief Hokstad. Hokstad had mentioned that the Chief of Extractions had been one of the handful of COA agents who knew of the hunt for the mole. Even if he didn't have that information, he'd never guess Shan to have turned. They guy was about as loyal and patriotic as anyone he could imagine. The former teenage hacker grinned, remembering some of the stunts he and Ben had pulled, and the reaction the rest of the crew had given them. Shan had always been a good sport. "Yeah, I trust him."

Tony nudged Lucas with his elbow, looking back to the warehouse. "Think he'll go easy on us because of you?"

Lucas chuckled. "No way. He's probably going to be even harder than ever. Doesn't matter though. He already said we're going to fail. Let's just make sure we don't make fools of ourselves."

"Too late for you, Luke."

"Ha ha, Tony." Before he could add any witty retort, Chief Shan waved them over.

"All right recruits. Hopefully by now you have your plan worked out. I'm giving you one hour to get in, get your man, and get out. We have spotters stationed around the simulation area and we are going to grade you on your performance. We are also recording the mission to refer back to later. You get points for creativity, working as a team, and getting all your men out alive." One by one, Shan looked each of them in they eye. "You will lose point every time you hesitate, put a teammate in danger, or handle yourself incorrectly. Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir," the recruits replied in unison, but Lucas wasn't so sure.

"At the sound of the horn, you'll assume your entry positions and the timer will start the countdown. Good luck recruits."

The horn was loud - surprisingly loud - and the recruits fanned out towards the entrance they would mount their rescue attempt from. Upon entering the warehouse, Lucas was surprised at how it looked. It was dark, crowded, and could very well be any building in any city. There were doors, furniture and what appeared to be hallways leading to god knows where. Taking a deep breath, he stepped in to his assigned role.

sQ sQ sQ sQ sQ sQ sQ sQ sQ sQ

The recruits leaned breathlessly against the side of the warehouse, not one of them devoid of sweat dripping down their faces, their necks. The test mission had proved to be far more physical and monumentally more difficult then any of them could have imagined. They'd been chased, shot at, and physically tackled in the span of sixty minutes, and regardless of the training they'd received in their previous lives, or as a COA recruit, they'd gone in supremely unprepared.

Each of them was disappointed in how the test simulation had ended, and somewhat surprised at how quickly they'd failed. They could only hope that the Agency had seen worse shows of teamwork. While they had felt that after weeks of training, they were in a better position to be placed within their assignments, they had been proved wrong. If there ever was a group who needed additional instruction on strategic thinking and working together, this was them. Currently, Liz, Sam and Dom were trading withering glares and Sam had practically shoved everyone aside when reaching daylight. He was visibly angry that he'd had to sit by and wait for rescue, and even angrier that they'd failed the test.

While Lucas felt frustrated and slightly annoyed with his fellow recruits, he'd been surprised at the way in which Tony had responded under pressure. The two of them had served together for over two years on seaQuest, yet the younger man hadn't had too many opportunities to see Piccolo in action. Sure, they'd been assigned a handful of missions together, but since Piccolo had taken over where Brody had left off – manning fighter subs – his approach to the job had changed. Lucas wasn't sure if it was maturity, experience, or just the fact that their lives and the state of the world was now completely different, but his friend was turning into a good soldier who could think quickly on his feet. All the studying in the world could not teach that. Lucas secretly hoped that Shan had noticed his friend's performance as well. Maybe, after all of this, when they finally did get back home, Tony could get some of the recognition he deserved.

Extractions Chief Shan, and the two agents Lucas had learned were active extraction agents Bennett and Daley, appeared in front of the ragged group. The look on their faces told the recruits all they needed to know. They were in bad shape and the COA had their work cut out for them.

"Congratulations recruits. That was one of the worst shows of teamwork I've seen in about five years. If that were a real extraction mission, you'd all be dead or taken prisoner." Shan lifted his clipboard and read through the information written there, and looked back up at the group of exhausted and somewhat humiliated men and women. "Now, I realize most of you are not looking to be assigned to an extractions team. To the COA, that doesn't matter. Every single agent who works for this agency, even the agent handlers, have to have knowledge of how we operate. Every single person in this agency is responsible for getting our people in and out of dangerous situations. That requires teamwork. Trust. In terms of strategy, you are about where we would expect you to be without COA's custom instruction. Teamwork is another story." Shan shook his head. "A few of you are in a power struggle, others of you don't trust the judgment of your leader, and the rest of you. Well, I have no idea what the hell you were thinking in there."

The extractions chief pointed towards the main campus. "Hit the showers recruits. I expect you in the classroom ready to learn first thing tomorrow. Dismissed."

The six men and two women slowly peeled off, heading back towards the dormitory. Lucas felt a hand on his upper arm and stopped.

"Wait a minute, Lucas." Shan motioned for the younger man to follow him, moving away from the others. When they'd moved far enough way, Shan clapped Lucas on the back and gave him a warm smile.

"I think my jaw might have hit the floor when I saw your name pop up on the recruit list. I thought I was seeing things." The former seaQuest helmsman grinned. "How is it that a smart-mouthed, cocky teenage hacker could get a nod of approval from the best covert agent the COA has ever seen for recruitment?"

"I grew up, I guess." Lucas replied. "It's been a while, Chief Shan."

"It sure has, Lucas. It's good to see you, despite the circumstances. So, what do you think so far?"

"About the COA or the other," he paused "thing?" Lucas looked at his old colleague questioningly.

"From what I've heard, you'll do just fine with your assignment. I mean about the COA. How do you like it?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I wasn't so thrilled with the idea of coming here, but I didn't get much of a choice in the matter. I don't exactly have the best history with the agency."

Shan nodded, lips pursed. As he did not question Lucas' last statement, it was obvious the man was aware of Lucas' previous experience at the hands of the COA.

"Agent Roberts has had high praise for you. I think he harbors some hope that you'll want to stay on - - after your training ends."

Lucas had to choke back a sarcastic response. "I'll bet he does." The younger man knew that once he returned to seaQuest, the COA would not have the same level of control over him as they did when he was assigned to them. If he signed on permanently, Robert Bridger would have the authority to order him into silence. He'd never get the opportunity to be candid with Captain Bridger again. If the captain's son didn't want Lucas to spill the beans, all he'd have to do is assert his position as a superior officer. Lucas wasn't going to jeopardize his recently re-established relationship with the former captain of seaQuest. He loved that man like a father and was not going to lose him again. The young ensign wasn't sure what he was going to do about the information he was guarding. He wanted the captain to know his son was alive. He wanted Michael to have a father in his life. He just wanted Robert to be the one to approach his family. It would be better for Bridger and Michael, if it came directly from Robert.

"I've read your files, Lucas. I know about your experience with Roberts in Macronesia, and I know about your missions with seaQuest. I prefer to see for myself how a soldier, or potential agent, responds to threats in the field, but your superiors have all been laudatory in their reports. Based on what I saw today, I have hopes that you'll make a good agent. You're well on your way to becoming a good soldier. Don't let the failure of your team make you feel otherwise. With the right training, I'd be proud to have you as part of my extractions team."

Lucas didn't know how to respond. He was pleased, of course, but also a little taken back. He didn't think he'd made much of an impression today, none of them had.

"I should let you get back to the dorm before the others start to wonder." Shan said.

He was right. It was suspicious being pulled aside by anyone other than your COA mentor and the others would probably question why he was being singled out. At least the easy response in this situation was to be honest. Shan had served on seaQuest years ago, where they'd overlapped in tours for a year. It couldn't come as too large a surprise for paths to cross again here. seaQuest was the best boat the UEO had in their fleet, and it most certainly attracted the best soldiers the UEO Navy had to offer.

"One last thing. Be careful. Watch your back and don't trust anyone." Shan was serious. Dead serious.

Lucas stared back, nervously chewing his bottom lip. That didn't some ominous at all. Nope, not at all.

"I will. Thanks Chief Shan. ISee you tomorrow."

As Lucas started towards the dormitory, Shan called out.

"Don't think I'll go easy on you because I knew you when you were sixteen, Wolenczak!"

Lucas turned and grinned. "Wouldn't expect you to, sir."

He picked up the pace, almost jogging back to the dorm. Glancing at his watch, he noticed that Shan had left them with plenty of time before they had to report to their individual training. He wasn't sure if he could find Roberts before he headed towards headquarters and made his way into the Command Center, but he had time to fill Tony in on the state of their building at night. He wondered if any of the other recruits knew that they were locked in at night. Probably not. Lucas was pretty sure that someone would have mentioned it if they did. There was just no good reason to lock the doors. Unless - unless the COA suspected that there was a mole in their midst. Someone in their class of recruits. This thought caused Lucas to come to a halt.

What were the chances that the mole was one of them? Or, maybe someone who could easily gain access to any of the recruits? He shook his head. What would the purpose in that be? Other than Tony and himself, the other recruits had no knowledge of a mole in the COA ranks. All they knew was that something, or someone, was compromising the missions of some of their agents. It could be anything – bad planning, intelligence on the side of the enemy, or just a simple mistake that gave away their identities. Surely they weren't even considering the possibility that someone within the COA was leaking highly classified information to the enemy thereby compromising the mission and resulting in the death of the embedded agents?

Lucas shook his head. While he couldn't be certain of what the other recruits knew or suspected, he highly doubted that the mole him – or her – self could be one of them. They'd all been pulled into the training program recently, and this issue had been growing for longer than they'd been there. He really wanted a chance to talk to Roberts, but that would have to wait. He had no idea how he was supposed to get a hold of the older man when he wanted to talk, and could only hope that the agent would be in the Command Center later that day. Right now, he'd settle with getting a hot shower, change of clothes, and a meal. The conversation with Roberts would have to wait.